X-Message-Number: 8189 Date: Wed, 7 May 1997 07:44:33 -0700 (MST) From: Fred Chamberlain <> Subject: Cell Line Storage protocol Re: >Message #8182 >Date: Wed, 7 May 1997 03:06:46 +0200 (MET DST) >From: Trygve Bauge <> >Subject: URGENT! request from Norway. >In light of the latest breakthroughs in Roslin Scotland, >it might still be worthwhile to try to save the DNA. AND >I post a copy of this letter to cryonet too, >in case others know the proper protocol and would be willing >to forward me a copy. In "PCR Protocols" (distributed by Perkin Elmer), the ruggedness of DNA and it's capacity to withstand extreme punishment are illustrated by the procedure given for "preparation of liver biopsy DNA for analysis". While I do not have the manual with me at this computer, to be sure of the correct wording, the first part of the procedure is easy to remember and so simple and briefly stated that it might be worth mentioning anyway: "Crush the specimen in liquid nitrogen." I'll verify this and post that later, but in view of the urgency expressed by Trygve, did not want to wait. In discussions with Hugh Hixon (an Alcor Staff Member who has a master's degree in biochemistry) about DNA specimen capture, Hugh has mentioned that a frequently used solution (for initial dehydration of cheek cells) is isopropanol (isopropyl alchohol, widely available). If the intent were cryopreservation, addition of some cryoprotectant might be appropriate (although probably not essential, if the only purpose were DNA preservation). I would very much appreciate any counterpoint others might have on this subject since we (at Alcor) are presently looking into how best to preserve DNA specimens in a variety of circumstances, for all of the reasons that such preservation might be worthwhile. Fred Chamberlain, President/CEO () Alcor Life Extension Foundation Non-profit cryonic suspension services since 1972. 7895 E. Acoma Dr., Suite 110, Scottsdale AZ 85260-6916 Phone (602) 922-9013 (800) 367-2228 FAX (602) 922-9027 for general requests http://www.alcor.org Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=8189